You are now part of our international, young and vibrant university community – 4,400 students and 650 staff members strong – who have chosen to study and work at the University of Lapland.

No doubt key to your choosing us are the chances for professional and personal development. The University of Lapland offers both. The professionally ambitious will feel at home here, as ULapland employees’ will and motivation to develop in their work are valued and encouraged.

Welcoming new members of personnel and ensuring that your needs are met when getting settled in the ULapland community is important to us.

Being the northernmost and the only Arctic university in the European Union, at 66° 29’ Northern latitude, we feel we have a unique working environment to offer. Seize the opportunity – join us!

Mauri Ylä-Kotola

Rector, PhD and Professor

Take a good look at the Guide for New International Staff

Visa

If you are a foreigner intending to travel to Finland for a temporary or short (for no longer than three months) time, a Schengen visa is an entry permit to enter Finland. Finland is a member state of the Schengen countries that have agreed on the visa rules and requirements for third country nationals. A visa is needed for all foreigners who are not members of a country that has been exempted from visa requirements.

Insurance

University of Lapland staff members have
an accident insurance and employees are insured against injury occurred
while working or injury caused by conditions arising from work. The insurance doesn't cover visiting staff, leisure time, family members or grant or scholarship receivers. It
is highly recommended to get a personal medical insurance contract, for
example. TheFarmers' Social Insurance Institution Mela handles occupational accident
insurance of those receiving a grant or a scholarship from Finland.

One possible option for insurances is the Student Insurance Program (SIP)
which is specifically designed for students and also for scientists,
members of educational staff and accompanying family members. SIP has
insurance cover especially for people staying abroad temporarily and it
is valid worldwide.

Contract and information of documentation

Depending on the funding source, your receiving unit will send you
either a contract of employment or contract on research visit or
training. An invitation letter is possible to get on request. An invitation letter
may be required when acquiring a visa and/or residence permit. If you
do not have a contract of employment, an invitation letter is a proof of
your employment in Finland.

Please notice that documents issued abroad by a foreign authority must
be legalised to have the intended legal effect in Finland. Documents from countries that have ratified the Hague Convention must be
legalised according to the so-called Apostille Certificate. Documents from other countries must be legalised through the so-called Grand Legalisation procedure.

Housing

The University has a few apartments of different sizes and also a couple of flats in the University guesthouse to rent to its incoming staff. If you are interested in these housing options, please ask someone in your faculty or unit for more details and to find out the current reservation situation.

If you cannot find a proper apartment through the University, we recommend you to start organising your housing matters immediately when your stay in the University has been confirmed. In Finland, accommodation can be found quite easily through the private market or housing companies but be aware of peak times at the beginning of each semester. Public housing notices can be found online or in newspapers or through agencies. In addition to public advertisements, many available apartments are often rented through social connections. If you are looking for an apartment, pass on the word to your colleagues and other acquaintances in the area.

Residence permit

EU/EEA citizens

Citizens of EU/EEA and Switzerland are not required to have a residence permit for Finland and are free to reside and work if the duration of the stay is less than three months. Also visa requirements do not concern citizens of other Nordic and EU countries because of agreements that exempt the citizens of those countries from the need to obtain a visa.

If you are Nordic citizens, you are allowed to stay and work in Finland without a residence permit or visa restrictions.

Other citizens

People from other than EU or Nordic countries need a residence permit if they intend to work in Finland. Working without a residence permit is allowed in some occasions, though. Even then, however, you need to have a valid visa if visa requirements concern you or a Schengen residence permit granted by another country which allows you to reside in Finland. Read more about residence permit from the Finnish immigration service website.

Family matters

Day care

The purpose of children’s day care in Finland is to support children's balanced growth, development and learning. All children under school age (under 7 years) are entitled to day care provided by the local authority. Municipal services enable children to receive day care, family day care, or group family day care. There are also private day cares centres. Private day care services provide alternative forms of care. Please make sure to inquire about and apply for day care places well in advance before arriving to Rovaniemi; it may take several months to receive a day care place. Before starting the compulsory comprehensive school in the same year when turning seven years, children in the age of six can take part in optional pre-schooling which is provided in day care centres and comprehensive schools.

Schooling services

In Finland, going to school is compulsory; all children living in Finland are entitled and required to attend comprehensive school. The aim of basic education is to support pupils’ growth as individuals and as members of the society and to teach necessary skills and knowledge. Children usually start comprehensive school in the same year when turning seven years. The scope of the basic education syllabus is nine years. After comprehensive school, studies generally continue either in upper secondary school or in vocational school. Read more about education in Finland.

Working & studying possibilities for spouses

If you are looking for work in Finland, it is worth contacting the Employment and Economic Development Office. The office provides details on jobs, the labour market and vocational training opportunities for new residents. It is also possible to get information on training opportunities and Finnish language classes. See also the brochure “Working in Finland” published by the Ministry of Employment and the Economy. It is worth following the University’s vacancies and pages for job seekers too.

Registration

EU/EEA citizens

If the stay in Finland exceeds three months, you are required to
register the right of residence. The registration must be done using the
Enter Finland e-service and before the end of three-month period.
After submitting the application an appointment to the Finnish
Immigration Service point, Ruokasenkatu 2, has to be booked. You will be
issued a registration certificate that confirms your right of residence
as an EU citizen. A valid passport and proof of employment are needed
when registering.

Nordic citizens

Citizens of Nordic countries are not required to have any residence
permits to live or work in Finland. They should nevertheless visit and
notify the Local Register Office as soon as possible after moving.
Because the registration process between Nordic countries is more
multi-phased compared to other countries, you should visit the local
Register Office in person to get detailed directions concerning your
move. You will need to present a proof of your identity.

Other citizens

If you intend to reside in Finland less than three months, you do not
need to have a residence permit. Please notice that you might still
need a visa. If you intend to work in Finland for longer than three
months, you are required to acquire a residence permit.